Spun yarn and woven or knitted fabric

ABSTRACT

A spun yarn includes 20 to 80% by mass of a polyester-based fiber having a flat multifoliar cross section and 20 to 80% by mass of a cellulose-based fiber. A cross-sectional shape of the polyester-based fiber having a flat multifoliar cross section is a flat shape having 6 or more convex parts on a circumference thereof. The polyester-based fiber having a flat multifoliar cross section has the specific flat ratio and specific modified shape ratio.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to a spun yarn having good water absorbability,quick drying properties and anti-transparent properties and soft touchfeeling and, particularly, to a spun yarn which makes it possible toobtain a woven or knitted fabric suitable for clothing uses, forexample, uses for inner shirts, pants, sports shirts and the like and awoven or knitted fabric using the same.

BACKGROUND

For clothing uses such as uses for inner shirts, pants and sportsshirts, studies have been conventionally made on water absorption-quickdrying, soft touch feeling, anti-transparency and the like usingpolyester materials, and spun yarns and woven or knitted fabrics usingpolyester fibers having a modified shape cross section have beenproposed.

For example, a spun yarn obtained by controlling the mixing ratio of 3or 4 kinds of polyester-based short fibers having modified shape crosssections to 15 to 20% by weight or more has been proposed (see JP9-59838 A). However, in that proposal, there was a problem that waterabsorbability and soft touch feeling were not sufficient, because thespun yarn was composed of only synthetic fibers.

Further, a blended yarn including polyester short fibers having amodified shape cross section having 3 or more projections in across-sectional shape thereof and a modified shape ratio of 1.8 or more,natural fibers and cellulose-based fibers has been proposed (see JP2008-133584 A). However, in that proposal, although the blended yarnincluding the polyester fibers having a modified shape cross section,the natural fibers and the cellulose-based fibers were used, there was aproblem that water absorbability and soft touch feeling were notsufficient yet.

Furthermore, a spun yarn in which soft touch feeling is obtained byusing blended cotton yarn with polyester-based fibers having modifiedshape cross section of multifoliar cross-sectional shape or polygonalshape and cellulose-based fibers, and anti-transparent properties areimproved by further blending with high content of titanium fibers hasbeen proposed (see JP 2012-188792 A). However, also in that proposal,there was a problem that water absorbability and soft touch feeling werenot always sufficient and that anti-transparent properties were alsoinsufficient, as with the proposal in JP 2008-133584 A.

It could therefore be helpful to provide a spun yarn having soft touchfeeling which could not be realized by the above-mentioned conventionaltechniques in use of polyester-based fibers and further also havingfunctions of high water absorbability, quick drying properties andanti-transparent properties which could not be realized only by naturalfibers and cellulose-based fibers.

Further, it could be helpful to provide a woven or knitted fabricparticularly suitable for clothing uses, for example, uses for innershirts, pants, sports shirts, white coats, sweaters, national costumesand the like.

SUMMARY

We focused our attention on spaces among fibers. It has been presumedthat water absorbability and soft touch feeling are not sufficient,because the spaces are less formed among the single fibers in thepolyester fibers having a modified cross section in JP 2008-133584 A.Further, it has been considered that the same applies in JP 2012-188792A and further that irregular reflection of light caused by fiber surfaceshape is not sufficient also in anti-transparent properties.Furthermore, it has been presumed that not only unilaterally high waterabsorbability, but also compatibility with quick drying properties isimportant.

We found that soft touch feeling is realized by using polyester-basedfibers having a specific flat multifoliar cross section andcellulose-based fibers in combination, and that when processed into aspun yarn or a woven or knitted fabric, it has high water absorbabilityand quick drying properties and has high anti-transparent propertieswithout blending with high content of titanium fibers.

We thus provide a spun yarn including 20 to 80% by mass of apolyester-based fiber having a flat multifoliar cross section and 20 to80% by mass of a cellulose-based fiber, wherein a cross-sectional shapeof the polyester-based fiber having a flat multifoliar cross section isa flat shape having 6 or more convex parts on a circumference thereof,and when a maximum length of a cross section of the polyester-basedfiber having a flat multifoliar cross section is taken as A, a maximumwidth of the cross section of the polyester-based fiber having a flatmultifoliar cross section is taken as B, a length of a line connectingvertexes of convex parts which are adjacent to each other in a maximumconcave-convex part is taken as C, and a length of a perpendicular linedrawn from the line connecting the vertexes of the convex parts adjacentto each other in the maximum concave-convex part to a bottom point of aconcave part is taken as D, a flat ratio defined by formula (1) and amodified shape ratio defined by formula (2) are satisfied:

Flat ratio(A/B)=2.0 to 3.0   (1)

Modified shape ratio(C/D)=1.0 to 5.0   (2).

According to preferable aspects of the spun yarn, the modified shaperatio is 2.0 to 5.0.

According to preferable aspects of the spun yarn, when the longestlength except for the maximum width B of the cross section among linesbetween vertexes of both convex parts opposing to each other using themaximum length A as an axis of symmetry is taken as E, a convex partratio defined by formula (3) is satisfied:

Convex part ratio(E/B)=0.6 to 0.9   (3).

According to preferable aspects of the spun yarn, a single filamentfineness of the polyester-based fiber having a flat multifoliar crosssection is 2.0 dtex or less.

According to preferable aspects of the spun yarn, the polyester-basedfiber having a flat multifoliar cross section contains an inorganicparticle, and a content thereof is 0.2 to 2.5% by mass.

The above-mentioned spun yarn can be suitably used for a woven orknitted fabric for clothing uses, for example, for inner shirts andsports shirts.

It becomes possible to have spaces of variable size among fibers byhaving a flat shape and having concaves and convexes on an outerperiphery portion thereof, and further by not equalizing the heights ofthe concaves and convexes on the outer periphery portion and, thus, aspun yarn having excellent water absorbability and quick dryingproperties and soft touch feeling, and a woven or knitted fabric usingthe same can be obtained. Further, a spun yarn and woven or knittedfabric also having high anti-transparent performance are obtained.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view for illustrating an example of across-sectional shape of a polyester-based fiber having a flatmultifoliar cross section included in the spun yarn which has aplurality (8) of convex parts on a circumference of a fiber crosssection.

DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS AND SIGNS

A: The maximum length of a cross section of a polyester-based fiberhaving a flat multifoliar cross section

B: The maximum width of the cross section of the polyester-based fiberhaving a flat multifoliar cross section

C: The length of a line connecting vertexes of convex parts which areadjacent to each other in a maximum concave-convex part

D: The length of a perpendicular line drawn down from the lineconnecting the vertexes of the convex parts which are adjacent to eachother in the maximum concave-convex part to a bottom point of a concavepart

E: The longest length except for the maximum width B among lines betweenvertexes of both convex parts opposing to each other using the maximumlength A as an axis of symmetry

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Our spun yarns will be described in detail below.

The spun yarn is obtained by blending 20 to 80% by mass ofpolyester-based fibers having a flat multifoliar cross section and 20 to80% by mass of cellulose-based fibers.

The cellulose-based fibers are selected from at least one kind ofcellulose-based fibers of natural fibers such as hemp, cotton and silk,regenerated fibers such as viscose rayon, cupra and solvent-spuncellulose, and semisynthetic fibers such as acetate. Of these, theregenerated fibers such as viscose rayon and solvent-spun cellulose arepreferably used from the viewpoints of handleability, generalversatility and functionality.

The arbitrary cross-sectional shape is preferably a flat shape havingconcaves and convexes on a circumference thereof. Water absorbability isincreased by having the concaves and convexes on the circumference and,further, liquid is uniformly diffused by a capillary action so thatthere is an effect of having quick drying properties to easily keep dryfeeling and refreshing cool feeling.

The number of the above-mentioned convex parts on the circumference ispreferably 6 to 14, and more preferably 8 to 12. When the number of theconvex parts present on the circumference of the cross-sectional shapeis less than 6, spaces are decreased, thereby causing poor waterabsorbability, liquid retainability and diffusibility. Further, theirregular reflectance of light is decreased, thereby causingdeteriorated anti-transparent properties. Furthermore, at the time oftouching the skin, contact points decrease, thereby providing roughtouch feeling. In addition, when the number of the convex parts exceeds14, the cellulose-based fibers have low rigidity as compared to thepolyester-based fibers and are easily worn away, resulting in a decreasein yarn strength. Further, liquid impregnated is held in the fibersbecause of their excessively high water absorbability so that the liquidcannot be quickly evaporated, resulting in poor quick drying properties.Furthermore, the shape of the convex parts is preferably a rounded shapefrom the viewpoint of texture.

Further, the single filament fineness of the cellulose-based fibers ispreferably 1.0 to 5.0 dtex. The single filament fineness is morepreferably 1.2 to 2.2 dtex. When the single filament fineness is lessthan 1.0 dtex, the fibers tend to be easily wound around a cylinder of acard, thereby causing a significant reduction in process passability insome cases. As a result, a defect of the spun yarn tends to easilyoccur. Furthermore, when the single filament fineness exceeds 5.0 dtex,touch feeling at the time of touching human skin is hard, which shows anundesirable tendency in use in terms of soft touch feeling. In addition,the spaces among the fibers become excessively large by an increase insingle filament fineness so that water absorbability tends to besignificantly deteriorated.

The fiber length of the cellulose-based fibers is preferably 30 to 64mm, from the viewpoints of high entanglement with other constituentfibers such as the polyester-based fibers to be blended and being ableto improve card process passability. The fiber length is more preferably35 to 51 mm. Examples of commercially available products of thecellulose-based fibers include rayon (trade name “COLONA”) manufacturedby Daiwabo Rayon Co., Ltd., and the like.

The content of the above-mentioned cellulose-based fibers is 20 to 80%by mass. When the mixing ratio (content) of the cellulose-based fibersis less than 20% by mass, water absorbability for impregnating liquidbecomes weak. Diffusibility is therefore deteriorated, and dry feelingand refreshing cool feeling of the spun yarn are reduced. Further, softtouch feeling peculiar to the cellulose-based fibers is also impaired sothat texture feeling during the use becomes inferior. Furthermore, whenthe mixing ratio of the cellulose-based fibers exceeds 80% by mass,water absorbability becomes excessively strong, and liquid impregnatedis held in the fibers. Accordingly, the liquid cannot be quicklyevaporated. That is, quick drying properties become poor.

A polyester constituting the polyester-based fibers means a highmolecular weight polymer formed by a condensation reaction ofterephthalic acid with ethylene glycol, trimethylene glycol, butyleneglycol or the like, a condensate of sebacic acid, adipic acid,trimellitic acid, isophthalic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid or the likewith polyethylene glycol or the like, a polyester polymer containinganother polyester, and the like.

The polyester-based fibers having a flat multifoliar cross section arepolyester-based fibers in which the cross-sectional shape thereof is aflat shape having 6 or more convex parts. When the number of the convexparts present on a circumference of the cross-sectional shape is lessthan 6, spaces formed among fibers adjacent to one another aredecreased, thereby causing poor water absorbability, liquidretainability and diffusibility. Further, the irregular reflectance oflight is decreased, thereby causing deteriorated anti-transparentproperties. When the number of the convex parts exceeds 12, the modifiedshape ratio tends to be extremely decreased from the feature of aproduction method of the polyester-based fibers, and the spaces formedamong the fibers adjacent to one another are decreased, thereby causingpoor water absorbability, liquid retainability and diffusibility,similarly as described above. The flat cross-sectional shape makes itpossible to form spaces among fibers, which improves waterabsorbability, liquid retainability and diffusibility. Further, theirregular reflectance of light is increased, thereby improvinganti-transparent properties. Furthermore, falling properties per singlefiber are improved so that soft touch feeling can be obtained.

FIG. 1 shows an example of a cross-sectional shape of a single fiber ofthe polyester-based fiber having a flat multifoliar cross section. InFIG. 1, the cross-sectional shape of the polyester-based fiber having aflat multifoliar cross section included in the spun yarn which has aplurality (8) of convex parts on the circumference of the fiber crosssection is shown as an example.

In FIG. 1, A is the maximum length of the cross section of theabove-mentioned polyester-based fiber having a flat multifoliar crosssection. B is the maximum width of the cross section of thepolyester-based fiber having a flat multifoliar cross section, and meansthe length of a line of the maximum width connecting vertexes of convexparts vertically crossing the above-mentioned maximum length A. Further,C means the length of a line connecting vertexes of convex parts whichare adjacent to each other in a maximum concave-convex part. Then, Dmeans the length of a perpendicular line drawn from the line connectingthe vertexes of the convex parts which are adjacent to each other in themaximum concave-convex part to a bottom point of a concave part. E meansthe longest length except for the maximum width B among lines betweenvertexes of both convex parts opposing to each other using the maximumlength A as an axis of symmetry.

The polyester-based fibers in which the cross-sectional shape thereof isa flat shape having 6 or more convex parts are used. The number ofconvex parts is preferably 7 to 13 and more preferably 8 to 12. Further,the shape of the convex part is preferably a rounded shape from theviewpoint of texture.

It is important that the flat cross-sectional shape in the single fibercross section satisfies the flat ratio defined by formula (1) and themodified shape ratio defined by formula (2). Further, preferably, theconvex part ratio defined by formula (3) is satisfied:

Flat ratio(A/B)=2.0 to 3.0   (1)

Modified shape ratio(C/D)=1.0 to 5.0   (2)

Convex part ratio(E/B)=0.6 to 0.9   (3).

The flat ratio (A/B) is 2.0 to 3.0. When the flat ratio (A/B) is lessthan 2.0, falling properties of fibers are deteriorated, thereby failingto obtain soft touch feeling. On the other hand, the flat ratio (A/B)exceeds 3.0, stiffness feeling is decreased, and permanent set infatigue is liable to be caused. Further, fiber-forming properties aredeteriorated, or the modified shape ratio is deteriorated. The flatratio (A/B) is more preferably 2.0 to 2.7, and still more preferably 2.0to 2.5.

Further, the modified shape ratio (C/D) represents the size of a concavepart between the adjacent convex parts in the above-mentioned flatmultifoliar shape. The larger value thereof indicates the smallerconcave part, and the smaller value thereof indicates the larger concavepart. When the modified shape ratio (C/D) is large, the concave partbecomes shallow, and the spaces formed among the fibers are alsodecreased. Accordingly, water absorbability and diffusibility tend to bedeteriorated. Furthermore, the irregular reflectance of light is alsodecreased, and anti-transparent properties tend to be deteriorated.Accordingly, the modified shape ratio (C/D) is 5.0 or less.

On the other hand, when the modified shape ratio (C/D) is excessivelysmall, the concave part in the fiber cross section is easily bent,resulting in a failure to keep the flat shape. Further, the fibers areeasily damaged by friction so that there is a possibility that the skinmight be hurt when rubbed therewith. From these facts, the modifiedshape ratio (C/D) is 1.0 or more. The modified shape ratio (C/D) is 1.0to 5.0 from the above viewpoint. Further, the modified shape ratio (C/D)is more preferably 1.0 to 4.0 in terms of water absorbability anddiffusibility, and still more preferably 2.0 to 4.0 from the viewpointof the balance between flat shape keeping properties, waterabsorbability and diffusibility.

Further, the convex part ratio (E/B) indicates the length ratio of themaximum width B and the longest length E except for the maximum width Bof lines between vertexes of both convex parts using the maximum lengthA as an axis of symmetry in the above-mentioned flat multifoliar shape.This has a meaning as an index to measure the degree of distortion of anapproximately elliptic shape obtained when lines connecting vertexes ofthe respective convex parts of the maximum width B, E and the maximumlength A are drawn. When the convex part ratio is excessively small, thedepth of the concave part is decreased, and the cross-sectional shapethereof becomes a shape closely approximate to a flat cross shape. Forthis reason, a capillary phenomenon effect is decreased, and waterabsorbability and diffusibility are deteriorated. Further, at the timeof touching the skin, the number of touching convex parts decreasesbecause of the shape approximate to the flat cross shape, and texturefeeling and softness are deteriorated. Accordingly, the convex partratio is preferably 0.6 or more. On the other hand, when the convex partratio is excessively large, many concave parts are completely blockedwhen the concaves and convexes of the fibers are fitted to each other.The spaces are therefore decreased and water absorbability anddiffusibility are deteriorated. Further, at the time of touching theskin, the number of touching convex parts decreases because of the shapeapproximate to the flat hexagonal shape, and texture feeling andsoftness are deteriorated. From these facts, the convex part ratio (E/B)is preferably 0.9 or less. The convex part ratio (E/B) is preferably 0.6to 0.9 from the above-mentioned viewpoint. Further, from the viewpointof a balance thereof, the convex part ratio (EB) is preferably 0.6 to0.8, and more preferably 0.7 to 0.8.

The content of the polyester-based fibers having a flat multifoliarcross section in the spun yarn is 20 to 80% by mass. When the mixingrate (content) of the polyester-based fibers having a flat multifoliarcross section is less than 20% by mass, hydrophobicity of the spun yarnis decreased. Accordingly, water absorbed tends to become difficult tobe evaporated, quick drying properties are poor, and texture feeling isalso deteriorated. Further, when the mixing ratio (content) of thepolyester-based fibers having a flat multifoliar cross section exceeds80% by mass, the capillary phenomenon effect becomes weak and liquiddiffusibility is deteriorated, thereby impairing dry feeling andrefreshing cool feeling at the time of touching the skin. From theabove, as a preferred balance, the content of the polyester-based fibershaving a flat multifoliar cross section in the spun yarn is 30 to 70% bymass, and more preferably 40 to 60% by mass.

The single filament fineness of the polyester-based fibers having a flatmultifoliar cross section is preferably 2.0 dtex or less. The singlefilament fineness is more preferably 1.0 to 2.0 dtex, and still morepreferably 1.2 to 1.8 dtex. When the single filament fineness exceeds2.0 dtex, rigidity peculiar to the polyester-based fiber is increased sothat irritation of texture feeling becomes strong, and soft touchfeeling is also impaired in some cases. Further, the spaces formed amongthe fibers are excessively increased so that the capillary phenomenoneffect becomes weak and liquid diffusibility is deteriorated, therebytending to impair dry feeling and refreshing cool feeling at the time oftouching the skin. Furthermore, when the single filament fineness isless than 1.0 dtex, process passability in a carding process isdeteriorated and productivity tends to be reduced.

The polyester-based fibers having a flat multifoliar cross section canbe allowed to contain inorganic particles for the purpose of improvinganti-transparent properties and softness.

The content of the inorganic particles is preferably 0.2 to 2.5% bymass, more preferably 0.2 to 2.2% by mass, and still more preferably 0.3to 2.0% by mass. When the content of the inorganic particles is lessthan 0.2% by mass, friction with the cellulose-based fibers isincreased, and the soft touch feeling tends to be impaired and, further,the irregular reflection of light becomes insufficient, and theanti-transparent performance tends to be deteriorated. On the otherhand, when the content of the inorganic particles exceeds 2.5% by mass,process passability in spinning is deteriorated, and the guide weartends to occur and, further, the modified shape ratio of thepolyester-based fibers having a flat multifoliar cross section tends tobe decreased during melt spinning thereof. Furthermore, a matte effectacts strongly so that whiteness is inferior, and color developabilitytends to be lost.

Further, the fiber length of the polyester-based fibers having a flatmultifoliar cross section is preferably 30 to 64 mm, and more preferably35 to 51 mm, from the viewpoint of process passability in spinning.

The spun yarn and a production method thereof will be described below.

The twist coefficient of the spun yarn is preferably 3.0 to 4.5. Whenthe twist coefficient is less than 3.0, sufficient yarn strength tendsto be not obtained, and yarn breakage during spinning or a reduction instrength when it is formed into the woven or knitted fabric tends to bebrought about. Further, when the twist coefficient exceeds 4.5, a kinkcaused by untwisting tends to occur, and when it is formed into thewoven or knitted fabric, it tends to have coarse feeling.

The spun yarn can be produced by an ordinary spinning method using thepolyester-based fibers having a flat multifoliar cross section and thecellulose-based fibers, and can be produced using a ring spinning frame(including bundling and eddy-current types), an air spinning frame orthe like.

Further, with regard to a blending method, it is possible to blend twokinds of the polyester-based fibers having a flat multifoliar crosssection and the cellulose-based fibers, and also possible to blend withother fibers within the blending ratio range. For inner materials orshirt materials, the count of the spun yarn is preferably 30 to 53, andmore preferably 40.

The woven or knitted fabric including the spun yarn may be a woven orknitted fabric using 100% of the spun yarn. However, preferably, atleast 40% by mass of the spun yarn is contained. When the ratio of thespun yarn is less than 40% by mass, there is a tendency that the waterabsorbability effect due to the combination of the polyester-basedfibers having a flat multifoliar cross section and the cellulose-basedfibers is less likely to be obtained. Further, in the woven or knittedfabric, it is possible to use the spun yarn within a range of less than60% by mass, and to mixedly weave or knit other spun yarn, filaments orthe like, in addition to the spun yarn.

The spun yarn and the woven or knitted fabric using the same have waterabsorbability, quick drying properties and anti-transparent propertiesand soft touch feeling so that they can be suitably used as innershirts, pants, sports shirts, white coats, sweaters, national costumesand the like.

EXAMPLES

The spun yarn will be described in detail below with reference toexamples. However, this disclosure should not be construed as beinglimited to only the examples. Respective physical property values in theexamples were measured by the following methods.

Water Absorbability Evaluation

Evaluation was performed in accordance with JIS L1907 (2010 edition,Byreck method). Evaluation contents were as follows. “⊙” and “◯” werejudged as passed.

⊙: 80 mm or more

◯: 70 to 79 mm

Δ: 50 to 69 mm

×: 49 mm or less

Quick Drying Property Evaluation

A test specimen allowed to stand for 24 hours under an atmosphere of aroom temperature of 25° C. and a humidity of 40% RH is cut out into a10-cm square, and the mass (A) thereof is measured. The test specimen isimmersed in ion-exchanged water for 30 seconds, and thereafter taken outof the liquid by pinching one corner of the test specimen with tweezers.The test specimen taken out is allowed to stand for 1 hour similarlyunder an atmosphere of a room temperature of 25° C. and a humidity of40% RH, followed by naturally drying, and the mass (B) thereof ismeasured. The residual water content (C) is calculated by the followingformula:

C(%)=(B−A)/A×100

Evaluation contents were as follows. “⊙” and “◯” were judged as passed.

⊙: 30% or less

◯: 31 to 40%

Δ: 41 to 50%

×: 51% or more

Anti-Transparent Property

Using a spectrophotometer (Minolta M-3600d), respective L values(reflectances) were measured using a standard white board and a standardblack board as backgrounds of a sample cloth, and the anti-transparentdegree (%) was determined by the following formula:

Anti-transparent degree(%)=100−(Lfw−Lfb)/(Lw−Lb)×100

Lw: L value of the standard white board in a state where there was nosample cloth

Lb: L value of the standard black board in a state where there was nosample cloth

Lfw: L value when the sample cloth was placed on the standard whiteboard

Lfb: L value at the time when the sample cloth was placed on thestandard black board

Evaluation contents were as follows. “⊙” and “◯” were judged as passed.

⊙: 70% or more

◯: 60 to 69%

Δ: 50 to 59%

×: 49% or less

Soft Touch Feeling

A test specimen was cut out into a 10-cm square, and the test specimencut out was grasped by five subjects, and point evaluation was performedaccording to the following criteria. Thereafter, the average points werecalculated, and “⊙” and “◯” were judged as passed.

3 points: Touch feeling was soft.

2 points: Touch feeling was somewhat hard.

1 point: Touch feeling was hard.

⊙: 2.8 points or more

◯: 2.4 to 2.7 points

Δ: 1.9 to 2.3 points

×: 1.8 points or less

Example 1

20% by mass of polyester-based fibers having a flat multifoliar crosssection (fiber length: 51 mm) having a single filament fineness of 1.7dtex, a titanium oxide content of 0.3% by mass, a flat ratio of 2.1, amodified shape ratio of 2.7 and a convex part ratio of 0.8 and having across-sectional shape with 8 convex parts and 80% by mass of rayonfibers (fiber length: 51 mm) having a single filament fineness of 1.7dtex were blended to obtain a spun yarn having an English cotton countof 40 s, setting the twist coefficient K to 3.5. Using the spun yarn aswarps and wefts, a plain woven fabric having a warp density of 110ends/2.54 cm and a weft density of 76 picks/2.54 cm was obtained usingan air jet loom. The fiber constitution of the spun yarn is shown inTable 1, and the evaluation results are shown in Table 2.

Example 2

50% by mass of polyester-based fibers having a flat multifoliar crosssection (fiber length: 51 mm) having a single filament fineness of 1.7dtex, a titanium oxide content of 0.3% by mass, a flat ratio of 2.1, amodified shape ratio of 2.7 and a convex part ratio of 0.8 and having across-sectional shape with 8 convex parts and 50% by mass of rayonfibers (fiber length: 51 mm) having a single filament fineness of 1.7dtex were blended to obtain a spun yarn having an English cotton countof 40 s, setting the twist coefficient K to 3.5. Using the spun yarn aswarps and wefts, a plain woven fabric having a warp density of 110ends/2.54 cm and a weft density of 76 picks/2.54 cm was obtained usingan air jet loom. The fiber constitution of the spun yarn is shown inTable 1, and the evaluation results are shown in Table 2.

Example 3

80% by mass of polyester-based fibers having a flat multifoliar crosssection (fiber length: 51 mm) having a single filament fineness of 1.7dtex, a titanium oxide content of 0.3% by mass, a flat ratio of 2.1, amodified shape ratio of 2.7 and a convex part ratio of 0.8 and having across-sectional shape with 8 convex parts and 20% by mass of rayonfibers (fiber length: 51 mm) having a single filament fineness of 1.7dtex were blended to obtain a spun yarn having an English cotton countof 40 s, setting the twist coefficient K to 3.5. Using the spun yarn aswarps and wefts, a plain woven fabric having a warp density of 110ends/2.54 cm and a weft density of 76 picks/2.54 cm was obtained usingan air jet loom. The fiber constitution of the spun yarn is shown inTable 1, and the evaluation results are shown in Table 2.

Example 4

80% by mass of polyester-based fibers having a flat multifoliar crosssection (fiber length: 51 mm) having a single filament fineness of 1.7dtex, a titanium oxide content of 0.1% by mass, a flat ratio of 2.0, amodified shape ratio of 2.5 and a convex part ratio of 0.7 and having across-sectional shape with 8 convex parts and 20% by mass of rayonfibers (fiber length: 51 mm) having a single filament fineness of 1.7dtex were blended to obtain spun yarn having an English cotton count of40 s, setting the twist coefficient K to 3.5. Using the spun yarn aswarps and wefts, a plain woven fabric having a warp density of 110ends/2.54 cm and a weft density of 76 picks/2.54 cm was obtained usingan air jet loom. The fiber constitution of the spun yarn is shown inTable 1, and the evaluation results are shown in Table 2.

Comparative Example 1

85% by mass of polyester-based fibers having a flat multifoliar crosssection (fiber length: 51 mm) having a single filament fineness of 1.7dtex, a titanium oxide content of 0.3% by mass, a flat ratio of 2.1, amodified shape ratio of 2.7 and a convex part ratio of 0.8 and having across-sectional shape with 8 convex parts and 15% by mass of rayonfibers (fiber length: 51 mm) having a single filament fineness of 1.7dtex were blended to obtain a spun yarn having an English cotton countof 40 s, setting the twist coefficient K to 3.5. Using the spun yarn aswarps and wefts, a plain woven fabric having a warp density of 110ends/2.54 cm and a weft density of 76 picks/2.54 cm was obtained usingan air jet loom. The fiber constitution of the spun yarn is shown inTable 1, and the evaluation results are shown in Table 2.

Comparative Example 2

15% by mass of polyester-based fibers having a flat multifoliar crosssection (fiber length: 51 mm) having a single filament fineness of 1.7dtex, a titanium oxide content of 0.3% by mass, a flat ratio of 2.1, amodified shape ratio of 2.7 and a convex part ratio of 0.8 and having across-sectional shape with 8 convex parts and 85% by mass of rayonfibers (fiber length: 51 mm) having a single filament fineness of 1.7dtex were blended to obtain a spun yarn having an English cotton countof 40 s, setting the twist coefficient K to 3.5. Using the spun yarn aswarps and wefts, a plain woven fabric having a warp density of 110ends/2.54 cm and a weft density of 76 picks/2.54 cm was obtained usingan air jet loom. The fiber constitution of the spun yarn is shown inTable 1, and the evaluation results are shown in Table 2.

Comparative Example 3

80% by mass of polyester-based fibers having a trifoliar (Y-shaped)cross section (fiber length: 51 mm) having a single filament fineness of1.7 dtex, a titanium oxide content of 0.3% by mass, a flat ratio of 1.0,a modified shape ratio of 6.7 and a convex part ratio of 0.9 and havinga cross-sectional shape with 3 convex parts and 20% by mass of rayonfibers (fiber length: 51 mm) having a single filament fineness of 1.7dtex were blended to obtain a spun yarn having an English cotton countof 40 s, setting the twist coefficient K to 3.5. Using the spun yarn aswarps and wefts, a plain woven fabric having a warp density of 110ends/2.54 cm and a weft density of 76 picks/2.54 cm was obtained usingan air jet loom. The fiber constitution of the spun yarn is shown inTable 1, and the evaluation results are shown in Table 2.

Comparative Example 4

80% by mass of polyester-based fibers (fiber length: 51 mm) having arounded cross-sectional shape having a single filament fineness of 1.7dtex and a titanium oxide content of 0.3% by mass and 20% by mass ofrayon fibers (fiber length: 51 mm) having a single filament fineness of1.7 dtex were blended to obtain a spun yarn having an English cottoncount of 40 s, setting the twist coefficient K to 3.5. Using the spunyarn as warps and wefts, a plain woven fabric having a warp density of110 ends/2.54 cm and a weft density of 76 picks/2.54 cm was obtainedusing an air jet loom. The fiber constitution of the spun yarn is shownin Table 1, and the evaluation results are shown in Table 2.

TABLE 1 Comparative Comparative Comparative Comparative Fibers UsedExample 1 Example 2 Example 3 Example 4 Example 1 Example 2 Example 3Example 4 Polyester having octafoliar flat 20 50 80 80 85 15 crosssection (mass %) Polyester having trifoliar (Y) 80 cross section (mass%) Polyester having rounded cross 80 section (mass %) Rayon (mass %) 8050 20 20 15 85 20 20 Titanium oxide content 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.1 0.3 0.3 0.30.3 (mass %)

TABLE 2 Comparative Comparative Comparative Comparative Example 1Example 2 Example 3 Example 4 Example 1 Example 2 Example 3 Example 4Water Absorbability ⊙ ⊙ ⊙ ⊙ ◯ ◯ Δ X Quick Drying Property ⊙ ⊙ ⊙ ⊙ ⊙ X ◯Δ Anti-Transparent Property ⊙ ⊙ ⊙ ◯ ⊙ Δ Δ X Soft Touch Feeling ⊙ ⊙ ⊙ ◯ Δ⊙ X X

1.-6. (canceled)
 7. A spun yarn comprising 20 to 80% by mass of apolyester-based fiber having a flat multifoliar cross section and 20 to80% by mass of a cellulose-based fiber, wherein a cross-sectional shapeof the polyester-based fiber having a flat multifoliar cross section isa flat shape having 6 or more convex parts on a circumference thereof,and when a maximum length of a cross section of the polyester-basedfiber having a flat multifoliar cross section is taken as A, a maximumwidth of the cross section of the polyester-based fiber having a flatmultifoliar cross section is taken as B, a length of a line connectingvertexes of convex parts adjacent to each other in a maximumconcave-convex part is taken as C, and a length of a perpendicular linedrawn from the line connecting the vertexes of the convex parts adjacentto each other in the maximum concave-convex part to a bottom point of aconcave part is taken as D, a flat ratio defined by formula (1) and amodified shape ratio defined by formula (2) are satisfied:Flat ratio(A/B)=2.0 to 3.0   (1)Modified shape ratio(C/D)=1.0 to 5.0   (2).
 8. The spun yarn accordingto claim 7, wherein the modified shape ratio is 2.0 to 5.0.
 9. The spunyarn according to claim 7, wherein, when a longest length except for themaximum width B of the cross section among lines between vertexes ofboth convex parts opposed to each other using the maximum length A as anaxis of symmetry is taken as E, a convex part ratio defined by formula(3) is satisfied:Convex part ratio(E/B)=0.6 to 0.9   (3).
 10. The spun yarn according toclaim 7, wherein a single filament fineness of the polyester-based fiberhaving a flat multifoliar cross section is 2.0 dtex or less.
 11. Thespun yarn according to claim 7, wherein the polyester-based fiber havinga flat multifoliar cross section contains an inorganic particle, and acontent thereof is 0.2 to 2.5% by mass.
 12. A woven or knitted fabriccomprising the spun yarn according to claim
 7. 13. The spun yarnaccording to claim 8, wherein, when a longest length except for themaximum width B of the cross section among lines between vertexes ofboth convex parts opposed to each other using the maximum length A as anaxis of symmetry is taken as E, a convex part ratio defined by formula(3) is satisfied:Convex part ratio(E/B)=0.6 to 0.9   (3).
 14. The spun yarn according toclaim 8, wherein a single filament fineness of the polyester-based fiberhaving a flat multifoliar cross section is 2.0 dtex or less.
 15. Thespun yarn according to claim 9, wherein a single filament fineness ofthe polyester-based fiber having a flat multifoliar cross section is 2.0dtex or less.
 16. The spun yarn according to claim 13, wherein a singlefilament fineness of the polyester-based fiber having a flat multifoliarcross section is 2.0 dtex or less.
 17. The spun yarn according to claim8, wherein the polyester-based fiber having a flat multifoliar crosssection contains an inorganic particle, and a content thereof is 0.2 to2.5% by mass.
 18. The spun yarn according to claim 9, wherein thepolyester-based fiber having a flat multifoliar cross section containsan inorganic particle, and a content thereof is 0.2 to 2.5% by mass. 19.The spun yarn according to claim 10, wherein the polyester-based fiberhaving a flat multifoliar cross section contains an inorganic particle,and a content thereof is 0.2 to 2.5% by mass.
 20. The spun yarnaccording to claim 13, wherein the polyester-based fiber having a flatmultifoliar cross section contains an inorganic particle, and a contentthereof is 0.2 to 2.5% by mass.
 21. The spun yarn according to claim 14,wherein the polyester-based fiber having a flat multifoliar crosssection contains an inorganic particle, and a content thereof is 0.2 to2.5% by mass.
 22. The spun yarn according to claim 15, wherein thepolyester-based fiber having a flat multifoliar cross section containsan inorganic particle, and a content thereof is 0.2 to 2.5% by mass. 23.The spun yarn according to claim 16, wherein the polyester-based fiberhaving a flat multifoliar cross section contains an inorganic particle,and a content thereof is 0.2 to 2.5% by mass.
 24. A woven or knittedfabric comprising the spun yarn according to claim
 8. 25. A woven orknitted fabric comprising the spun yarn according to claim
 9. 26. Awoven or knitted fabric comprising the spun yarn according to claim 10.